FabSugar

Jennifer Ouellette Buttons Headband: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:50:22 -0700

I tend to gravitate toward headpieces that are quirky but not too weird. Which is why this Jennifer Ouellette Buttons Headband ($85) made me stop in my clicks. I thought to myself, buttons on a headband are a neat idea! And since they're black, it's not so out there. What do you think of it? Would you wear buttons on your head?

Take all of my Love It or Hate It Polls here!

She's Crafty: New Buttons, New Jacket

FabSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:00:22 -0800

What to do when you have an old jacket that is still Fab, but has gone drab? No need to be dramatic and rid of it, just take another look and see how it can be revived. This was what I did with a 5-year-old DKNY olive green jacket. When I first got it, I wore it to death. Ever since, it has just sat in my closet, with old memories to keep it company. The reason I loved it so was because I realized an olive green jacket pretty much goes with everything. It can be utilitarian, sporty, chic, or just plain casual. The neutral hue works for both Summer and Winter, and it doesn't go out of style.

I knew my old faithful could be revived. What I love most about this jacket is these complex seams along the back and shoulders - I would never tire of those. So I started with the sleeves, and simply rolled them up, for a more distressed style. What really stood out as an eye sore was the drab buttons; these pale green medium sized buttons just camouflaged with the fabric. I thought if I simply changed the buttons - something even I know how to do - the jacket would be refreshed.

To see the process, and to read the rest of my jacket salvation story, read more.

The jacket has a slight safari feel, so I immediately thought tortoise buttons would be perfect. I adore the marbleized design of tortoise, and, like the jacket, I find it goes with a lot of colors and styles. This decision was made even before I got to the fabric store.
Britex Fabrics in San Francisco is awesome. They had oodles of tortoise buttons to choose from; it was not an easy choice. I ended up choosing a nice flat tortoise button. The grand total ended up being less than $10. But I was sure to bring the jacket with me, so the salesperson could see what size button I was looking for and so I could imagine the new look. Also, the jacket has four buttons, but I bought one extra in case my sewing skills ever fail me.

Thread. I needed an olive green that would match the jacket. After a quick visit to my parents house - my mom used to sew so she has like every color - I found the perfect little spool of olive green. I was almost ready to take on my project.
Tools. The only tools I needed were a needle and a seam ripper. If you don't already have a seam ripper, I suggest you get one. They come in handy for projects like this, sewing mishaps, and opening closed pockets.
Labor. One evening I went to work and surprisingly the jacket button switcharoo only took a half hour. It was easy to align the new buttons because there were already holes in place. I just started at the top, removed the old button and any residual thread, and sewed on the new button. You can really see the difference the button makeover made! New buttons, new jacket.

In times of a fashion recession, and with the holidays right around the corner, I know the financial bind many of you are in. By simply rejuvenating something you once loved, you can have a (semi) new piece of clothing. Never underestimate the big power of the little button.

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Simply Fab: Instant Button For Jeans

FabSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:00:22 -0800

We gain weight, we lose weight. But what to do when our jeans fall off our waists? If this sounds familiar, get yourself the Instant Button For Jeans ($15 for a set of two). Founder Dana Hanh Contey created it because of personal experience: after three children, she would constantly adjust her jeans' waistband with a safety pin (yikes).

With the Instant Button, simply place the intant button in the desired location, insert the post through the jeans to the underside, and secure it with the clutch fastener to the back of the post. Easy peasy.

Can You Sew on a Button?

FabSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:00:22 -0700

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Trend Alert: Dressy Buttons

FabSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:00:22 -0800

Jane Krakowski is looking cute as a button; she definitely knows how to work her dressy buttons. Her Catharine Malandrino burgundy button-down dress is classy and youthful and her monochrome tights and shoes are a wise choice. Buttons add a fun flair to any dress, without them, life would be a wee more boring. The best part about buttons? You can unbutton them for a less-cute, more-sexy look. Fab.

Source

I Love Your ShopStyle: Inspired, Benjamin Button

FabSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:00:22 -0800

If you haven't seen The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I highly suggest you check it out. I'm not the only one smitten with the movie. Tanita Pe loved the movie so much, she created a Benjamin Button-inspired look highlighting a marvelous trench coat and amazing accessories. Her mix of modern clothing and vintage jewels is perfection; I call it laid-back luxe.

Trend Alert: Gold Buttons

FabSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:00:22 -0800

Raise your hand if you fancy gold buttons?

What began as a military-inspired functional decoration has been largely popularized by brands like Juicy Couture and Tory Burch. You have to admit: A shiny gold button adds just a touch of bling to a classic trench. Scarlett may be wearing some super cute platforms here, but my eye went to those little golden fasteners on her camel coat.

And here's the best part: You can try this at home. Take your everyday trench, or anything really, on a field trip to your local fabric store and buy some new sunshiny buttons. Voila! A fresh look for five dollars.

Pacific Coast News

Trend Alert: Button-Front Skirts

FabSugar — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 07:31:02 -0700

Throwing buttons on the front of a skirt-whether it's a sexy mini or a traditional tweed style-instantly makes it more playful. This Fall's button-front skirts come in all styles, with chunky plastic and brass adornments, unexpected shapes, and every length you can imagine. This smart-looking style is a great option for daytime or going out. Here are some of my favorite finds at designer and non-designer prices.

D&G Miniskirt, $212, available here.

Issho Mini in Wool, $210, available here.

Mona & Holly Tulip Skirt, $265, available here.

Tocca Iris Wool Wrap Skirt, $295, available here.

To see the more affordable skirts, read more

Parameter Houndstooth Button Skirt, $117, available here.

Banana Republic Flannel Button-Front Skirt, $88, available here.

Wet Seal Houndstooth Mini Skirt, $18.50, available here.

Taikonhu Top Brass Skirt, $128, available here.

Cheap & Chic: Plaid Button-Downs

FabSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:00:22 -0700

We can all agree that $250 for a plaid button-down top is too much. Such was the case with Lauren Conrad's cute, albeit overpriced, Elizabeth and James shirt. Alas, plaid is already on the move to becoming a Fall frenzy, so get ahead of the trend on the cheap. I do, however, recommend teaming your plaid shirt with foxy high heels a la LC - this takes the look from totally geek to totally chic.

Poplin sleep shirt - $34.50	Rainbow Plaid Shirt - $15.80
Cheap Monday Emil Shirt - $55.00	City Style Diagonal Plaid Shirt - $34.95
Allison daley plaid roll-tab crinkle camp shirt - $32.00	Brianna Top - $69.00
Metallic Plaid Shirt - $15.80	Foxcroft Knit Shirt - $68.00

Oak Cropped Button Pocket Chambray Shirt: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:00:22 -0700

It was lust at first sight with this Oak Cropped Button Pocket Shirt in Chambray ($127). It's such a simple idea, taking a men's shirt and cropping it, but I think it makes a world of a difference. It's a more girlie and modern take on the boyfriend shirt. I can so see Ashley Olsen sporting it with black stovepipes and crazy shoes, but would you wear it, too?

If you love it like I do, but you're not ready to spend the dough, take on a DIY project by cropping one of your boyfriend's or dad's chambray shirts yourself.

Take all of my Love It or Hate It Polls here! To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

Juicy Couture Plaid Pintuck Dress - $328.00	See by Chloe Peter Pan Collar Mini Dress - $595.00
Marc By Marc Jacobs Printed Cap-Sleeve Dress - $298.00	DKNY Jeans Ruffle-Trim Shirtdress - $72.99
Charlotte Ronson Pegged Shirtdress - $196.00	Burberry Trench Dress - $950.00
Tory Burch Marie Dress - $350.00	Adam + Eve Belted Shirt Dress - $365.00
Silk woven shirtdress - True indigo - $128.00	Catherine Malandrino Button-Detail Dress - $475.00
For Love and Liberty Gold Dress - $253.00

3.1 Phillip Lim Double Breasted Knit Coat - $695.00	Marc by Marc Jacobs Flash Patent Raincoat - $548.00
Beatrice Skirt - $19.99	Burberry Prorsum Gold buttoned trench coat - $1,895.00
BCBGMAXAZRIA Asymmetrical Twill Jacket - $338.00	Milly Cocktail Coat - $620.00
Tibi Velodromo Cap Sleeve Dress in Navy with Gold Buttons - $356.00	Milly Gold button dress - $415.00
Mayle Gold Jacquard Margarita Dress - $655.00	Searle, 3/4 length merino wool coat with assorted gold buttons - $798.00